Self-engaging post puller and driver



United States Patent Inventor SELF-ENGAGING POST FULLER AND DRIVER 3 Claims, 7 Drawing Figs.

3,057,599 10/1962 Clatterbuck 254/30 FOREIGN PATENTS 884,094 12/1961 Great Britain 254/132 Primary Examiner- Richard E. Aegerter Assistant Examiner-Alfred N. Goodman Attorney-Henderson and Strom US. Cl. 254/132, ABSTRACT; This invention relates to a selgengaging fence 294/113 post puller and driver apparatus adapted for attachment to a In- CL conventional mechanism capable of movement in a veniu 13, ca] direction the apparatus having a pair of oppositely 67.2, 86.26, 86.27, 86.29; 254/29, 30, 13 disposed, parallel post engaging members pivotally connected to a frame structure, the engaging members opening to engage References Cited the post upon contact and converging upon the post to grip it UNITED STATES PATENTS securely upon vertical movement of the apparatus in the ap- 2,482,950 9/1949 Toftey 254/30 propriate direction.

4/ 1 k\' n" z 9v! l 5 xfl I I I Z 2' I /39 4 l g z H II. I A l l" l- Q, J/ I 5:373 .7/ 54 $8 62 $859||4/ 5 9 SELF-ENGAGING POST PULLER AND DRIVER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a post puller and driverand particularly to a self-engaging fence post puller and driver.

Many parcels of land are bordered or-divided by fences and this is especially common with farm lands where it is customary to keep animals. A good fence is often a valuableasset of the farmer and land owner and its upkeep, including erection, repair, or replacement is necessary and laborious.

Every fence includes a plurality of fence posts which may be of either the steel or wooden variety. To implanta post of the wooden variety, it is mandatory to first dig a hole, place the post in the hole, and repack the removed dirt around the post. To implant a steel-type post requires some type of manual driving or a mechanical implement for driving it into the ground. The problem with the present mechanical implements is that they are complex, sophisticated, and require their own individual powersource such as gasoline motor and cam arrangement shown in US. Pat. No. 2,683,019, or a hydraulic cylinder arrangement shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,551,897.

' such as a conventional tractor end loader, though the device of U.S. Pat. No. 2,551,897 is likewise adapted for pulling posts. The problem here encountered is that each post must be individually connected to the chain and end loader or to the device, requiring the operator to leave the controls or have a second person available. Also, the posts subsequent to removal, must each be individually discharged from the gripping device. The apparatus of this invention is designed to overcome these problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates toa self-engaging post puller and driver apparatus adapted for attachment to a conventional lift mechanism capable of movement in a vertical direction, the apparatus comprising a frame assembly having an opening in its forward side, and a pair of oppositely disposed, parallel members pivotally attached to the frame structure for engaging the post, the members operable to receive and release the post when the apparatus is stbtionary or moved in one vertical direction, and operable to securely engage the posts when the apparatus is moved in the opposite vertical direction.

It is an object of this invention to provide a novel fence post puller and driver apparatus.

It is another objectof this invention to provide an improved fence post puller and driver apparatus.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a fence post puller and driver that is self-engaging and operable by a single individual.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide a self-engagingfence post puller and driver apparatus that adapts to These objects and other features and advantages of this invention will become readily apparent upon reference to the accompanying description when taken in conjunction with the appended drawings.

2 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a side elevational view of the apparatus of this invention shown in assembled relation with a conventional tractor end loader;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view showing the apparatus of this invention in assembled relation with a tractor and hydraulic hitch assembly thereof;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view as taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 3, and showing the apparatus inpullingposition, dotted lines being used to indicate alternate positions of certain parts; 1

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view as taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 4; I

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the device, shown attached to a wooden post in a pulling position; and

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the position of the apparatus when engaging and driving downwardly a steel post.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT tractor 22 having wheels 23. The lift arm 19 is connected to a hydraulic cylinder 24, connected to turn to the support 21, which cylinder 24 provides for reciprocal vertical movement of the scoop 16 and attached apparatus 10 relative to the ground 14. The cylinder 18 normally'supports the scoop l6 and apparatus 10 in a substantiallyhorizontal position. It can readily be seen that by extending the rod 26 of the cylinder 24, the attached apparatus will rise vertically, and by contracting the rod 26, the apparatus will drop vertically.

The hydraulic hitch assembly 12 is illustrated in FIG. 2 and includes a pair of identical arms 27 diverging rearwardly from and pivotally connected to a conventional tractor 22 having wheels 23. The hitch arms 27 are either, directly hydraulically powered by the tractor 22, or are moved by secondary power arms 28 themselves hydraulically powered, depending upon the particular make and model tractor available. The apparatus I0 is positioned across and attached to the hitch arms 27 for raising and lowering the apparatus 10 relative to the ground 14.

The post puller and driver apparatus 10 of this invention comprises generally a rectangular frame structure 29 (FIG. 3) adapted for ready attachment to a conventional end-loader 11 or rear tractor hitch assembly 12 as hereinbefore described. Pivotally mounted within the frame structure 29 is a pair of oppositely disposed clamp units 31, 32'for engaging a post.

The basic frame structure 29 is rectangular and consists generally of an elongated beam 33 (FIG. 3) forming the back of the frame structure 29, and a pair of shorter beams 34, 36 forming the front of the frame structure 29, the beams 34, 36 being separated to form an opening 37 for a purpose as hereinafter defined. Attached, as by welding, to the back beam 33 and the front beams 34, 36, respectively, are two angle irons 38, 39, the upright legs of which form the sides, and the horizontal legs 38 and 39 (See FIG. 4) of which form a portion of the bottom of the frame structure 29. Interconnecting the rear beam 33 and the front beams 34, 36, respectively, is a set of angle iron braces 41, 42 (FIGS. 3 and 4), the legs 41', 42' of which together with the legs 38', 39' are connected to form the bottom of the frame structure 29. It should be noted that the beams 34, 36 extend toward each other beyond the interconnecting braces 41, 42, permitting attachment of the clamp units 31, 32 as hereinafter defined. An

frame structure 29 and attaches, as by welding, to the bottom edge 44 (FIG. ofth'e beam 33.

A pair of holes 46, 47 (FIGS. 3 and 5) equally spaced from the back beam 33 are formed in the bottom portions 38', 39', respectively, for receiving an appropriate bolt (not shown) for attaching the frame structure 29 to the scoop tyne 17 of the it end-loader 11 (FIG. 1). Likewise, holes 48, 49 (FIGS. 3 and 5)'are formed in the bar 43 and bottom portions 41, 42 for the purpose of connecting the frame structure 29 to the hitch assembly 12 (FIG. 2). As best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the beams 33, 34, 36, 38, 39, 41 and 42 are all of equal height,

I FIG. 5. A plurality of plates 53, 54, 56 (FIG. 3) are mounted to the sleeve 52 with the plates 53, 54, 56 extending radially therefrom. The mounting arrangement is strengthened by gussets 57, 58.

Specifically, the plates 53, 54, 56 are substantially rectangular in shape and are designated such that plate 54 is narrower than plate 53 and plate 56 is narrower than plate 54. The

plates 53, 54, 56 are mounted to the sleeve 52 wherein plate 56 is at an approximate 90 angleto the plate 53 and plate 54 is mounted therebetween so as to form an approximate 45 angle with both plates 53 and plate 56 as best illustrated in FIG. 4. The outer edges 59, 61, 62 of the-respective plates 53,

54, 56 are illustrated as angled to form a blunt point, but may be serrated to better grip the post as hereinafter described.

Plate 53 includes a curved forward edge 63 (FIG. 5 to facilitate proper alignment of its outer edge 59 with a standing post as hereinafter described. The plate 53 is substantially i longer than either plate 54 or plate 56 and the rear portion 66 overlaps the frame bar 43 and is contiguous thereto when the clamp unit 31 is stationary or in resting position. Attached to the upper surface 67 of plate 53 opposite the bar 43 (FIGS. 3

and 4) engagement is an upstanding eyelet 68 for connecting a coil spring 69 (FIGS. 3 and 7) for a purpose hereinafter described.

The gussets 57,58 are laterally spaced along the sleeve 52 and are attached thereto. The gussets 57, 58 connect to the lower surface 71 of the plate 53 (FIGS. 4 and 5) and longitudinal ends 72,73, 74, 76 of the plates 54, 56, respectively, as best illustrated in FIG. 5.

Extending parallel to the brace 42 (FIG. 5) of the frame structure '29, the shaft 51 interconnects the side 33 and an overhang 40 of the side 36 through holes (not shown) formed therein. The shafi 51 extends through the tubular sleeve 52 positioned between side 33 and overhang 40 and is provided with a head 77 and threaded end 78 for receiving a nut 79 for 1 secure mounting to the frame structure 29. The mounting of the tubular sleeve 52 to the shaft 51 is such that the sleeve 52 may freely pivot or rotate upon the shaft 51.

The oppositely disposed clamp units 31, 32 are positioned within the opening 37 (FIG. 5) of theframe structure 29 and -are connected to the frame structure 29 as hereinbefore "described such that the curved plates 53 assume substantially the same horizontal plane. The curved edge 63 of the aligned plate 53 forms a wedgelike guide (FIG. 5) to direct a post between the units 31, 32. The plates 53,154, 56 and sleeve 52 are freely pivotal about the attached shaft 51 though limited by the frame bar 43 engaging the near portion 66 of the plate 53.

To remove a post 10, the frame structure 29 is securely fastened to the appropriate lift mechanism 11 or 12 with the apparatus 10 in the post pulling position (FIG. 3). The operator directs the wheeled vehicle 22 toward the imbedded post 13, centering the frame opening 37 with the center of the post 13. Upon contact with the post 13 along the curved edges 63 of the plates 53, the freelypivotal clamp units 31, 32 will rise as illustrated by the broken lines in FIG. 4, thereby receiving the post 13. A self engaging of the post is therefore obtained. The clamp units 31, 32, by gravity, remain contiguous to the post 13 at all times. Should the post 13 be asmall post, such as the common steel variety (FIGS. 4 and 7), the edge 59 of the plate 53 remains in contact therewith, while an intermediate wooden post 13 (FIG. 6) would engage the'edge 61 of the second plate 54, and a wide. post, as often used at comers and gates, would engage the narrowest plate 56.

After the post 13 has been received within the oppositely disposed clamp units 31, 32 upward movement is imparted to the appropriate lift mechanismjl or 12, thereby raising the connected apparatus 10 of this invention. As the frame structure 29 raises, the plates 53, 54, or 56 of the clamp units 31, 32 are rotated toward each other, and therefore tighten to imbed the respective edges 59, 61, 62 in the side of the post 13 (FIG. 6) or engage a protruding knob 81 (FIG. 7) commonly found on a steel post 13, causing the clamp units 31,32 to securely grip the post 13. Upon further upward motion of the lift mechanism 11, 12 the securely engaged post 13 is raised from the ground 14. After the 'post 13 is pulled, thestill engaged post 13 is released from the apparatus 10 by lowering the apparatus 10 and engaging the bottom 82 of the post 13 with the ground 14, causing the clamp units 31, 32 to rotate away from each other and thereby release the post 13, whereupon the operator, still at the controls of the vehicle 22, continues on to the next post to be removed.

In driving posts 13, the apparatus 10 of this invention is reversed or turned upside down upon the left mechanisms 11 or 12 wherein the previously defined bottom 38', 41', 42, 39' now becomes the top and the plate 56 of the clamp units 31, 32 now extends upward rather than downward as in the pulling position (FIG. 4). In the driving position (FIG. 7), gravitational forces no longer position the plates 53 in a horizontal position engaging the bar 43, and therefore a resilient connection 68 (FIGS. 3 and 7) is necessary to keep the plates 53 in substantially the same plane commencing the operation.

In the post driving position, it is necessary to either manually start the post in the ground, as by pounding, or use a second person to guide the post. In this operation, the clamp units 31, 32 engage the post 13 in the same manner as previously described, the spring 69 keeping the units 31, 32 in constant engagement with the post 13.

Upon the bottom 82 of the post 13 engaging the ground in the desired location of placement, the appropriate plate or plates 53, 54, 56 close upon the post 13 as the apparatus 10 is directed downward as illustrated in FIG. 7. In relatively hard ground, the apparatus 10 may engage the post 13 at a lower position, and drive the post 13 in increments, wherein the clamp units 31, 32 may repeatedly engage and disengage the post 13 in a ratchetlike manner.

In summation, it may readily be seen that the clamp units 31, 32 of the apparatus 10 of this invention pivot to receive a post 13 upon contact and remain in constant engagement throughout the operation. Upon movement in the appropriate direction, i.e. upward in pulling position, the clamp units'31, 32 tighten to grip the post 13, thereby causing the post 13;.to move in the same direction, i.e. upward, as the apparatus 10 0f this invention.

Although a preferred embodiment of this invention has been described hereinbefore, it is to be understood that it-is not to be so limited since changes can be made therein which are within the full intended scope of this invention, as defined by the appended claims.

Iclaim:

1. A self-engaging post puller and driver apparatus adapted to be attached to a conventional lifting mechanism, the mechanism capable of reciprocal movement in a vertical direction, the apparatus comprising:

a frame structure adapted to connect the lifting mechanism,

said frame structure substantially horizontally disposed in movement of the lift mechanism, wherein the pivotal axis of each of said members is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said frame structure, wherein said members include a plurality of plates radially extending from said pivotal axis, each successive plate being narrower than the previous plate. 2. A self-engaging post puller and driver apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein each of said members is a mirror image of the other said member.

3. A self-engaging post puller and driver apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the front edge of said members are curved to form a wedge-shaped guide in plan view to direct the post between said members. 

